Ella Mae’s Soulfood — Restaurant in Beachwood

I've heard of this restaurant in years past when they were located in University Hts. I recently decided to visit for my first time but learned they had relocated to Beachwood. Because of the surrounding affluent areas, in which it's located, I was expecting the exterior and interior of the restaurant to reflect the same; it didn't. They need better signage (larger and easier to read from afar as it's not easily noticed amongst the neighboring businesses.

The cashier was ok. She didn't seem happy to help. She had a very dry personality. I made it known it was my first visit, but she didn't offer assistance with the menu. There's no price posted on the wall menu. There's a copy of a menu taped on the counter bt the cashier register. I read many of the reviews before visiting today, BUT still decided to give them a try. I spent $28 for dinner for one in which included a potroast dinner w/ 2 sides and a cornbread muffin. My sides were Yams & Mac n Cheese and an additional order of Blackeye peas.

I was expecting like the other reviews that soul is made from scratch, at least how I grew up and cook. The Yams were canned, nasty, and too sweet. Mac n Cheese was salty, and cheese already contains salt. There's no need to add more. The Pot Roast had no flavor or seasoning. The potatoes & carrots mixed in tasted bitter. Nothing tasted fresh. The blackeye peas were over seasoned with what seemed to be Lawry's or something. Agreeing with the other reviews, the cornbread was delicious. I possibly would patronize once more, but try something simple like fried chicken wings. Otherwise, I don't plan to return. I didn't like the food at all.

Oh, the portions were small for the cost. I wouldn't mind the quantity, but the taste left a lingering bitter tast in my mouth. I need to brush to eliminate the taste. I say try if desired; everyone has...

NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE.

To be fair, I've been patronizing this place since it's opening. The portions used to be more than fair for the price. Catfish dinners would come with 2 big pieces of fish, mac n cheese was delicious. So delicious I usually would order double mac with my dinner. I recommended this place to family and friends.

Unfortunately, my most recent visit was not the same, they "fell off"! This ain't it sis! This mac n cheese is now trash 🗑. I seen others complain on reviews, now I see what they meant.

Take a look at the photos I've uploaded and compare them to the reposted and recycled pics from their IG. There is no way those are same-day photos because this mac was not the same as what was posted the day I ordered this. Those pictures are from when the food tasted better. I never knew mac n cheese could lack enough noodles until now, like a cheesy noodle soup. I like cheese but this was all wrong, soupy, wet, with few noodles. In addition, the seasoning was off, noodles themselves felt overcooked. The 2 pieces of fish were not the normal big Catfish pieces I've come to know from this place for $15. The taste of the fish was fine however.

One last thing to note... if u call in, be prepared to call a few times because it's hard to get through. Very hard, but I recommend calling in advance if you do decide to try this place. I may try them 1 more time before I give up on them.

To owners: Come on yall, we were all rooting for you! We need good soulfood in our communities. Turn this place back around...

October 2021: First time eating here. Ordered the perch dinner, which came with two sides and a corn muffin. I chose the candied yams and dressing purchasing a few chicken wings as well.

Pros: Covid cautious with the dining room area not in use. The employees wore masks. Good food. The chicken wings were very good as well the dressing and yams. Multiple forms of payment accepted. Cash and Visa/Mastercard credit cards are accepted. Diverse customer base (White, Black, Latino customers). It was refreshing to see more than Black people eating soulfood.

Cons: Parking can be a challenge in the front of the building. The fish was seasoned well and fried properly (not too hard, but well done), but battered with flour instead of corn meal. The texture seemed off to me. I guess that customers need to call ahead and make sure that certain items are available--some things sell out quickly. Many people claim that the meatloaf is the best...I want to validate those claims

Conclusion: I will return, but know not to...